Millions of people use commercial airlines each year. In fact, this is one of the most popular modes of transportation as it’s so convenient. Naturally, many plane passengers also happen to be people with disabilities, some of which use wheelchairs. Now, American Airlines has been fined $50 million for its treatment of people who happen to have disabilities that require the use of wheelchairs. This is important because everyone should have their rights respected while flying.

American Airlines is in hot water over its treatment of plane passengers with disabilities

All plane passengers deserve respect and to have their belongings handled with care and returned in a timely manner. Sadly, according to The Dallas Morning News, American Airlines failed to uphold this promise to many of its passengers with disabilities. The outlet reports that the popular airline agreed to a civil penalty of $50 million after the Biden administration accused it of violating this protected class. 

This penalty came after the Department of Transportation conducted an investigation into the airline. Specifically, the probe found that the airline damaged or delayed the wheelchairs of thousands of plane passengers. Additionally, the investigation found that there were instances of American Airlines providing aid to people on the airplane in need that caused further injury. 

Regarding the penalties related to plane passengers with disabilities, American Airlines will pay $25 million to resolve the claims and will not have to admit wrongdoing. The airline faces an additional $25 million fine if it does not spend that amount to improve wheelchair handling. Some of that $25 million must compensate impacted passengers who trusted the airline for their travel plans.  

Pete Buttigieg, the Transportation Secretary, gave a quote to reporters. It reads, “The bottom line is that the era of tolerating poor treatment of wheelchair users on airplanes is over.”

American Airlines has been called “one of the worst performers” when it comes to working with plane passengers with disabilities. However, the company says it’s pursuing changes and even spent $175 million this year alone on improvements.